SORRY FOR THE DELAY!
Things kept coming up and I had to stop writing.
This chapter was a bit difficult to write, I had to portray Isabella's emotions without taking and running away with them. It would have turned the chapter into a filler.
I hate having to do that.
PLEASE REVIEW! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU GUYS!
WELL... THE CHARACTERS DON'T BELONG TO ME, BUT THEIR ACTIONS DO:)
I was stunned with all that was going around me. All the talk about being strong for my people was easier said than done. I wished nothing more than to curl up in a corner and cry my heart out like a baby.
But I didn't.
I made sure that all the important jobs were done.
"Take my father to his chambers. No one, absolutely no one has the right to take away his space. My parent's space." I looked at the prince and prayed with my eyes for him to understand just this once.
He did.
"Today has been very eventful in the worst manner. Jane and Jacob have your supper with us and tell us about all that happened here when we were not here. Miss Jane, ask the other house maids to have their supper as well. We will serve ourselves."
"Yes, your highness."
"I and Lady Isabella will refresh ourselves and be ready for you in an hour." He looked at me for conformation. I gave him a soft nod in conformation.
"I will show his highness his accommodations"
We walked up the stairs and followed down the corridor to the second master chambers.
"My lady, today's events have been stressful in the least. Should you need someone to confide in, please do not hesitate.
I understand that you have your reservations regarding me, and yet I ask you to trust me in this trying time.
I wish nothing more than to be your confidant."
"I understand your highness, and am thankful of your assistance. But it is of outmost importance, that I keep my composure till this matter is put to rest. I need to be there for the people of this house, if I must put on my war paint for it, I shall."
"Do you wish to carry out your father's funeral here, or at the castle?"
"My father wished to be buried beside my mother, far deep into the woods where in lies a meadow."
"Here it will be then."
"I do understand if the king and the queen cannot be here, with the rebellion in Dabney growing, I cannot be hurt for them having to follow their duties."
"They will be here tomorrow night, or next morning in the latest, my lady."
I nodded in acknowledgement.
It was clear that I had not the slightest idea of how strong the bonds between my parents and the royal couple were. Them, setting aside their precious time to travel for days to attend my father's funeral meant the world to me.
"I shall see you at supper, my lady."
I silently dressed again for the evening supper. Using a basin to wash off the dirt from the days travel, I still felt dirty.
I knew that the way I had reacted to James's accusations was the way a Lady should have reacted and yet I couldn't shake off the doubt that it was what the people must think of me.
At the dinner table, Mr. Jacob and Miss. Jane were already seated when we arrived. They enlightened us about all the happenings of the days post my departure from the estate.
James had arrived exactly two days after my departure.
It appeared as if my father knew about his impending arrival and took the decisions to finalize the will and send me off with it. He wished to ascertain my absence from the manor lest he forces me into marriage with him.
James had been furious about my escape and had gone off on a rampage.
It was then that he found out about the will.
On observing that it was yet to be notarized, he must have decided to kill solicitor Roberts, to prevent any further proceeding of the will.
I did not comprehend the reason as to why James would wish my father dead, if he had successfully stopped the will.
Everyone was of the opinion that judging the way my father had anticipated Mr. James's every move, James knew that my father would proceed to find another solicitor to secure my future despite the restrictions posed by his health; and thus decided it was best that he do away with my father.
I had a very fitful sleep at night and woke up crying my heart out. I dearly missed my father. The hatred that I felt towards Mr. James did not match anyone else's.
Was he as dull as not realize that I would have parted with a portion of my inheritance if it meant he would not hold ill will in his heart.
When I say a portion, I was being practical.
I was scared for my future and did not wish to spend it married to a man I had only a disregard for. I wished only enough to sustain myself and I asked for the manor.
Alas, this was all of the past. The present was that I had no living family.
The day was one of the worst that I had ever had.
As soon as the news that my father had not died naturally but had been murdered spread, I started receiving condolence calls. I was in utter distress of the situation at hand.
"You must be devastated. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through sweetheart."
"The time is indeed painful but with help from the people of the manor and friends, I am sure to let go."
"Yes, I heard his highness, the prince is here. It is indeed a sweet gesture on his part."
"It is, indeed."
The king and the queen arrived late into the night. The funeral service was to be held in the morning.
It was decided that we would soon return to the castle. The prince was required in the castle for his duties and given the circumstances of my father's death it was unwise to stay here alone.
We had received the news that James was not taking the house arrest very well. He was becoming unstable by the hour. The soldiers feared rash decisions on his part.
I offered my own chambers to the royal couple and had insisted on it. They had done enough in accepting my decision that my father's chambers were to remain his. I wished them a comfortable stay.
The morning would bring me a new beginning, I decided. I would bury my past; take my memories with me to make new ones. I would always remember my parents. They would always be a part of me. But I would not let their deaths put me in despair.
I dressed myself in black and went downstairs to look after the preparations for the service. Everything was impeccable. The way everyone had done their jobs showed their devotion and love for my father.
When I had been asked by the staff to allow them to attend the service, I found myself agreeing heartily.
So now amongst everyone present, my father was buried. With fanfare. My father wanted everyone to be happy; he had in no less words asked us to be happy at his service. While this was not possible, we kept our promises to him in the best possible manner. We talked and smiled.
Too many times I found myself hiding my tears.
How my father would have loved to see his people trying to bide by his wishes.
By afternoon, our noontide meals were done. It might have been the first time in ages that the masters and the maids had their luncheon together. The manor had been deserted because of the number of people wishing to pay their last respects.
We finally started our trek back to the manor, three hours after noon. I led the way, being most familiar with the trail. The prince walked beside me. Both of us lost in our own thoughts.
We were almost all the way out of the woods when I saw a bit of smoke.
"Looks like someone is taking my father's wishes to heart. I think I see fireworks sire."
"May we go faster?"
"We shall, my lady."
I led the way forward, a bit ahead of him.
What I saw were not fireworks.
It was my house, on fire.
Just then a messenger came forward,
"Sire, Mr. James is missing. He ran away."
It was then that my body decided that it had had too much to deal with, and everything went black.
I Found a reviewer who wanted the chapters faster.
well friend, I cannot do fast right now. As i explained in the last chapter, I have my entrance exams coming up in the next month and I am supposed to be working.
I really am trying to squeeze chapters out of me, you know, writing every time i have a few minutes.
Its just that with he writing process that I follow, I have to have the same conversations with myself over and over and then somehow find a way to put the emotions I was feeling on the paper. I REALLY AM SORRY THAT IT'S TAKING TIME!
I will post the next chapter most probably by Sunday!
YOUR REVIEWS WILL MAKE ME HAPPIER AT A PARTY I AM SUPPOSED TO ATTEND ON SUNDAY!
YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE ME HAPPY. FINE. YOUR REVIEWS WILL DEFINITELY MAKE YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTERS PRESENT THEMSELVES TO ME FASTER!
